Method and apparatus to determine colour of egg yolk

ABSTRACT

The present concept is a method of preparing an egg to determine the color of the egg using an egg yolk cover. The egg yolk cover is dome-shaped with a base edge and inspection area. The egg yolk cover eliminates ambient light from impinging on the egg yolk and is used in combination with a light sensor to determine the color of egg yolks. The light sensor includes a single flat printed circuit board with a top and bottom side which includes at least one LED light and one color sensor, at least one light pipe receiving light from the LED and transmitting it onto a substrate at an angle theta and a tube frame including an optical tube for receiving light reflections from the substrate. The light pipes and the tube frame are compression fit between the printed circuit board and a lower housing. To determine the color of the egg yolk, the egg is first cracked onto a flat surface. The egg yolk cover is then placed over the egg yolk and the color sensor is placed onto the inspection area to measure the color.

This application claims priority from the previously filed provisionalapplication No. 62/245,541, filed on Oct. 23, 2015 by Nix Sensor Ltd.under the title: METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE COLOUR OF EGG YOLK.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present concept relates to a device for measuring and analysingcolours and more particularly it relates to a small handheld inexpensivecolour measuring device which can interface via Bluetooth withsmartphones and convert the colour readings into any number of currentcolour models, or spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need to quickly and accurately be able to measure colours ona variety of different surfaces and convert the colour measurement intoa number of standard colour spaces.

There are a number of prior art devices which have attempted to measurecolour each with shortcomings normally related to accuracyreproducibility, portability, cost of manufacture and inability toconvert readings into a number of standard colour spaces used bydifferent industries.

Studies have shown that there exist a cultural preference in the colourof the food people consume, therefor in the egg industry the colour ofthe yolk is closely controlled and a vital step in the control processis accurately measuring the yolk colour. There is a need for a quick,accurate and cost effective way of measuring the colour of the egg yolk.

A number of prior art devices exist in the industry that can be utilizedto measure the colour of the yolk. Two such methods are the DSM Egg yolkcolour fan and the egg quality measurement device. Though both methodscan provide the measurements but they are not without their limitationsand shortcomings. The egg yolk colour fan is fast and inexpensive, givenit is a qualitative method of comparing coloured swatches to the yolkvia the naked eye, it's accuracy and precision is a function of the enduser. The second method mentioned is the egg quality measuring device,which utilizes a colour sensor and a light source. The light illuminatesthe yolk at prescribed angle and the reflected light is diffused intothe sensor. This method is more accurate and precise since it isquantitative, but the size, complexity and cost of the apparatus make itless appealing to the end users.

SUMMARY

The present concept is an egg yolk cover for housing the liquid portionof an egg between the cover and a flat surface for the purpose ofmeasuring egg yolk color. The egg yolk cover comprises:

-   -   a) an opaque cover adapted to cover the liquid portion of an        egg, the cover includes a base edge which contacts with the flat        surface and adapted to create a substantially light tight seal        with the flat surface;    -   b) wherein the cover includes a transparent inspection area        adapted for viewing the egg yolk.

Preferably wherein the cover is dome shaped and includes a flattenedcrown portion which is substantially parallel to the flat surface.

Preferably wherein the inspection area is an aperture in the flattenedcrown portion.

Preferably wherein the aperture includes a transparent window within theaperture which impinges onto the egg yolk.

Preferably wherein the cover defines a yolk depth wherein the flattenedcrown portion is dimensioned to be at a preselected height above theflat surface and selected to fall in the range from 6 to 12 mminclusively.

Preferably wherein the cover defines a preselected volume between thecover and flat surface which is sufficient to house the egg yolk.

Preferably wherein the preselected volume is selected to fall in therange from 20 ml to 40 ml inclusively.

The present concept is also a method of determining the color of an eggyolk. The method comprises the following steps:

-   -   a) cracking an egg onto a flat surface such that a liquid        portion rests on the flat surface;    -   b) placing a cover over the egg yolk the cover includes;        -   i. an opaque cover adapted to cover the liquid portion of an            egg, the cover includes with a base edge which contacts with            the flat surface and adapted to create a substantially light            tight seal with the flat surface;        -   ii. wherein the cover includes a transparent inspection area            adapted for viewing the egg yolk;    -   c) deploying a color sensor onto the inspection area to measure        the yolk color.

Preferably wherein the cover is dome shaped and includes a flattenedcrown portion which is substantially parallel to the flat surface.

Preferably wherein the inspection area is an aperture in the flattenedcrown portion.

Preferably wherein the aperture includes a transparent window within theaperture which impinges onto the egg yolk.

Preferably wherein the cover defines a yolk depth wherein the flattenedcrown portion is dimensioned to be at a preselected height above theflat surface and selected to fall in the range from 6 to 12 mminclusively.

Preferably wherein the cover defines a preselected volume between thecover and flat surface which is sufficient to house the egg yolk.

Preferably wherein the preselected volume is selected to fall in therange from 20 ml to 40 ml inclusively.

Preferably wherein the light sensor is a portable colour sensor formeasuring colour of a substrate comprising:

-   -   a) a single flat printed circuit board with a top & bottom side        which includes at least one LED light and one colour sensor;    -   b) at least one light pipe receiving light from the LED and        transmitting it onto a substrate at an angle theta;    -   c) a tube frame including an optical tube for receiving light        reflections from the substrate; and    -   d) wherein the light pipes and the tube frame, are compression        fit between the printed circuit board and a lower housing.

Preferably wherein the LED light is directed perpendicularly away fromthe printed circuit board and wherein the light pipe is an arcuatemember bending the light to achieve the angle theta.

Preferably wherein the light pipe abutting at one end to the LED andconnecting at the other end at a light emitting port in the lowerhousing.

Preferably wherein the light emitting port is located within a lightcavity which is an inverted dome with the bottom terminating at acontact surface.

Preferably wherein the flattened crown portion contacting with thecontact surface of the lower housing of the lower housing of the coloursensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present concept will be described by way of example only withreference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial side cross sectional view of the printed circuitboard used in the present concept together with the gasket mounted onthe bottom side and electrical components on the top side.

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross sectional view of the printedcircuit board shown together with an optical tube and light pipesmounted onto a sealing surface of a gasket.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of the print circuit boardtogether with light pipes and a tube frame mounted in a lower housingand an upper housing.

FIG. 4 is a top schematic plan view of the print circuit board mountedinto the lower housing.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the lower housing prior to the installationof the light pipes and tube frame and printed circuit board.

FIG. 6 is schematic perspective view of the light pipe.

FIG. 7 is an inverted schematic exploded view of the printed circuitboard together with the tube frame, light pipes, and the lower and upperhousings.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of the colour sensor in FIG.3 mounted on a dome shaped cover, deployed onto an entire egg yolk inits cavity on top of an opaque flat surface.

FIG. 9 is an perspective view of the top of the dome shaped cover.

FIG. 10 is a side cross sectional view of the dome shaped cover.

FIG. 11 is an perspective view of the bottom of the dome shaped cover.

FIG. 12 depicts the first step in the method of preparing an egg:cracking the egg and placing its content on a flat opaque surface.

FIG. 13 depicts the method of preparing an egg: allowing the yolk tospread evenly over the flat surface.

FIG. 14 depicts the procedure for deploying the dome shaped cover overthe yolk.

FIG. 15 depicts moving the cover for ensuring an unobstructed view andfull contact between the yolk and the transparent window within theaperture.

FIG. 16 depicts the procedure for attaching the colour sensor in FIG. 3to the dome shaped cover once a proper and unobstructed contact with theyolk has been established.

FIG. 17 illustrates a fully assembled apparatus with the colour sensorattached to the dome shaped cover deploying onto a yolk over ahorizontal solid surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Components of the present concept the portable colour sensor 100 aredepicted in the attached figures and shown in various stages of assemblyand completion for the benefit of the reader.

FIG. 1 for example shows the single printed circuit board PCB 102 usedin the present concept together with a gasket 104 mounted on a bottomside 106 having openings 109 for LEDS 108 and opening 111 for coloursensor 110. Colour sensor 110 is a true colour sensor rather than an RGBsensor.

PCB 102 includes a top side 112 at least one integrated circuit 114 abattery 116 and a hard wired interface namely a micro USB port 118 forcalibration and data exchange purposes.

FIG. 2 shows the orientation of various additional components relativeto the print circuit board 102 namely left and right light pipes 120each also having a first flange 122 and a second flange 124, a receivingend 126 and a transmitting end 128. Receiving end 126 abuts againstgasket 104 in order that light from LEDS 108 can be transmitted downthrough light pipe 120 and out through transmitting end 128.

Further there is a tube frame 130 which includes an optical tube 132having a tube end 134 also abutting and mounted onto gasket 104 forreceiving light through optical tube 132 and transmitting the receivedlight onto colour sensor 110.

The components are not assembled in the condition shown in FIG. 2 butrather only the orientation of these components relative to the printcircuit board in shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows the assembly of the printed circuit board 102 together withthe light pipes 120 and the tube frame 130 all mounted into lowerhousing 140 and capped off with an upper housing 142 at a joint 144. Allof the internal components are compression fit show by arrows 146wherein the PCB 102 is urged downwardly into lower housing 140 therebypushing downwardly upon the light pipes 120 and tube frame 130, ineffect creating a sandwich effect wherein the light pipes 120, tubeframe 130 and dust cover 152 are held in place.

Lower housing 140 also includes a lens dust cover 152, a receiving port150 and defines a contact surface 148. Lower housing 140 also includeslight emitting ports 154 and a light cavity 156. Light enters throughlight emitting ports 154 at an angle theta 158.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the bottom side 106 of printedcircuit board 102 with one light pipe 120 shown in position wherein onthe other side the LED 108 is clearly visible through opening 109 ingasket 104. Also shown in position is tube frame 130 and dust cover lens152 at the bottom of receiving port 150. Additionally the first andsecond flanges 122 and 124 of light pipe 120 are also visible togetherwith the joint 144 of the upper housing 142.

FIG. 5 is a plan view looking into the cavity of lower housing 140 withall of the components removed showing a set of four light pipe ribs 170each having a first slot 172 and a second slot 174 that register andslideably engage with first flange 122 and second flange 124respectively of light pipe 120.

There are four additional support ribs 176 upon which the printedcircuit board 102 rests and three abutments 178 each with a screw hole180 for fastening print circuit board onto lower housing 140.

The reader will see that the first flange 122 slideably engages withfirst slot 172 and second flange 124 of light pipe 120 slideably engageswith second slot 174. In this manner light pipes 120 are slideably urgedinto position into the lower housing 140. Additionally dust cover lens152 is placed into the bottom of tube receiver 182 and optical tube 132is slideably received within tube receiver 182 thereby placing tubeframe 130 in place into lower housing 140.

Thereafter PCB 108 is adhered to with gasket 104 at contact surface 111is further placed with sealing surface 107 on top of the light pipes andthe tube frame 130 thereby compressing gasket 104 which is made of aresiliently biased material in order to create a seal around the base190 of tube frame 130 and also a seal around the receiving end 126 oflight pipe 120 thereby ensuring that light which is conducted down lightpipe 120 is not inadvertently transmitted into optical tube 132 directlyfrom LED 108 or indirectly from light pipes 120. Contact surface 111 andsealing surface 107 preferably have pressure sensitive adhesive thereon.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the orientation of lower housing 140 relativeto the upper housing 142 and the print circuit board 102 and the lightpipes 120 and the tube frame 130.

FIG. 3 shows the angular relationship theta 158 of the light relative tothe contact surface 148. This geometrical layout is often referred to asa 45/0 geometry in which illumination of the sample is accomplished atan angle of 45° and the colour sensor 110 receives a portion of thelight reflected from the sample at an angle of approximately 0° plus orminus 8°. This geometry is used in order to minimize specularreflections and allow only few reflections to be transmitted through theoptical tube 132.

In order to reduce manufacturing costs, time and componentry light pipes120 have been configured such that a single flat print circuit board PCB102 can be utilized to mount all of the electrical and electroniccomponentry.

The LEDS used have a broad parallel spectrum of visible light such thatall wavelengths of visible light are emitted by the LEDS 108. In orderto ensure consistency and reproducibility components having extremelylow drift and low temperature coefficient variances are utilizedthroughout the device.

Readings obtained from the colour sensor are fed through on boardintegrated circuitry processing units which provide a predictable,stable and reproducible output.

The unit includes an integral Bluetooth transmission device forwirelessly transmitting data to a smartphone which together with asmartphone application for presenting the data in usable format.

It is also possible to communicate through a hardwired mini USB port 118to a laptop or other computer. The device is calibrated through thehardwired mini USB port 118 prior to the shipping.

The outputs are converted into usable colour spaces including the wellknown RGB colour space, HSL colour space, HSV colour space, LAB colourspace, XYZ colour space and is also converted into HTML, CMYK orPantone® units. The processor software application is able to convert toany print system using a delta e calculation to determine what availablepaint is closest (mathematically) to the scanned sample.

The contact surface 148 is placed against a substrate or surface 159 tobe analysed for colour such as a painted wall, skin, and a host of othersurfaces and materials.

Light emitted from is conducted down light pipes 120 and exits intolight cavity 15 at an angle theta 158 onto a substrate 159 to bemeasured. Some of the light is reflected back up optical tube 132 whereit is received by color sensor 110 and a measurement is taken andrecorded.

Components of the present concept the yolk colour sensor are depicted inthe attached figures and shown in various stages of assembly andillustrates the method and apparatus for the benefit of the reader.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the dome shaped cover 200deployed with a colour sensor 100 that will house an egg yolk 202 over asubstantially horizontal flat surface 210. The base edge 204 makescontact with the horizontal flat surface 210 providing a circumferentiallight tight seal, thus minimizing the intrusion of the outside light.

There exists a flattened crown portion 206 that is substantiallyparallel in relation to the horizontal flat surface 210. This featureensures that the yolk top surface 220 is parallel in relation to thetransparent window 208, which is critical in producing the desiredreflection and refraction angles. Transparent window 208 as depicted ispreferably round however could also be a multitude of other shapesincluding but not limited to: square, triangular or a polygon.Transparent window 208 is preferably made of transparent plastic havingknown optic properties, but may also be made of other materials such as,including but not limited to, glass with known optic properties.

Situated at the centre of the flattened crown portion is the transparentinspection area 212 containing an aperture 214 with a transparent window208 onto which the yolk top surface 220 impinges, continuously makingcontact with transparent window 208.

Now also referring to FIG. 10, the geometry of the dome shaped cover isselected such that its cover volume 218 will substantially fully housethe egg yolk 202 with some small amount of egg white 232 at theperiphery 230 of the cover 203. The dimensions of cover 203 are selectedsuch that a predetermined consistent yolk depth 216 and cover volume 218are maintained. Yolk depth 216 measures from the horizontal surface 102upward to the lower face 244 of transparent window 208.

Cover volume 218 of dome shaped cover 200 is approximately 30 ml wasderived using the 95^(th) percentile confidence interval of a normaldistribution of egg yolk volumes. The yolk depth 216 is approximately 9mm, which by trial and error measurements were found to be the optimalyolk depth 216 to obtain consistent results. With the desired covervolume and yolk depth the diameter of the cover 203 results in an outerdiameter of approximately 74 mm. In practice the cover volume 218, yolkdepth 216 and the circumference can vary substantially and still provideadequate results, but via extensive trials it was found the geometry anddimensions proposed provide optimal, consistent and accurate results.

Method of Preparing the Egg and Deployment of Apparatus

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 17 the method of preparing the egg anddeployment of apparatus for determination of colour will be described.

FIG. 12 depicts cracking an egg 220 and carefully separating theeggshell 218 from its inner contents, egg white 232 and egg yolk 202,and gently placing the contents on a horizontal flat surface 210preserving the integrity of the egg yolk 202. It is vital that the eggyolk 202 is fully intact and does not rupture the vitelline membrane 250in this process (breaking the yolk).

FIG. 13 depicts a fully intact egg yolk 202 surrounded by the egg white232 placed onto a horizontal flat surface 210 after a short rest period.The resting period allows gravity to settle the egg white 232 away fromthe top of the egg yolk 202, where the lower face 244 of transparentwindow 208 impinges onto the yolk top surface 220. This process allowsfor an unobstructed view to the yolk.

FIG. 14 depicts the recommended way of deploying the dome shaped cover200 vertically downwards onto the egg yolk 202. This method isrecommended as it affords a simultaneous overview of both the egg yolkand dome shaped cover 200 thus enabling the operator to gauge fit overthe egg yolk 202. Placing the cover using other methods such as tiltingthe cover over the yolk may result in rupturing the vitelline membrane250. The egg yolk 202 may rupture if caught between the horizontal flatsurface 210 and base edge 204.

Observing via transparent window 208 a full and unobstructed contactbetween the yolk top surface 220 and the transparent window 208 can beensured. Opaque ropes of egg white known as the chalaza anchor the yolkin the centre. The chalaza may get positioned between the transparentwindow 208 and the egg yolk 202, may lead to erroneous measurements.

FIG. 15 depicts that moving the dome shape cover 200 side to side asshown by arrow 271 in the event that the chalaza does obstruct thewindow, one can clear the window using this method. This provides avisual quality control ensuring that the egg yolk 202 positioned belowthe transparent window 208 is consistently free of unwanted obstructionssuch as the chalaza.

FIG. 16 depicts the recommended method of deploying the colour sensor100 onto the cover 200. The mechanism by which the two componentsinterlock involve the coupling of flange 222, best represented in FIG.10, to the docking surface 155, best represented in FIG. 3. The methodrecommended to accomplish the coupling is by securely holding down thecover 203 with one hand and deploying the colour sensor 100 verticallydownwards onto the cover. By attaching the colour sensor verticallydownwards on to the widow 208 of the dome shape cover 200 minimizes thelateral movements that the cover would experience thus minimizing thedisturbance experienced by the egg yolk 202. Minimizing any disturbancewill reduce the possibility of egg yolk 202 to rupture and also retainthe substantially unobstructed view obtained via methods describedabove.

At this point the colour measurement is taken and recorded as describedfor the portable colour sensor 100 above.

It should be apparent to persons skilled in the arts that variousmodifications and adaptation of this structure described above arepossible without departure from the spirit of the invention the scope ofwhich defined in the appended claim.

I claim:
 1. An egg yolk cover for housing the liquid portion of an eggbetween the cover and a flat surface for the purpose of measuring eggyolk color, the egg yolk cover comprising: a) an opaque cover adapted tocover the liquid portion of an egg, the cover includes a base edge whichcontacts with the flat surface and adapted to create a substantiallylight tight seal with the flat surface; b) wherein the cover includes atransparent inspection area adapted for viewing the egg yolk.
 2. Thecover claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover is dome shaped and includes aflattened crown portion which is substantially parallel to the flatsurface.
 3. The cover claimed in claim 2 wherein the inspection area isan aperture in the flattened crown portion.
 4. The cover claimed inclaim 3 wherein the aperture includes a transparent window within theaperture which impinges onto the egg yolk.
 5. The cover claimed in claim4 wherein the cover defines a yolk depth wherein the flattened crownportion is dimensioned to be at a preselected height above the flatsurface and selected to fall in the range from 6 to 12 mm inclusively.6. The cover claimed in claim 5 wherein the cover defines a preselectedvolume between the cover and flat surface which is sufficient to housethe egg yolk.
 7. The cover claimed in claim 6 wherein the preselectedvolume is selected to fall in the range from 20 ml to 40 ml inclusively.8. A method of determining the color of an egg yolk, the methodcomprising; a) cracking an egg onto a flat surface such that a liquidportion rests on the flat surface; b) placing a cover over the egg yolkthe cover includes; i. an opaque cover adapted to cover the liquidportion of an egg, the cover includes with a base edge which contactswith the flat surface and adapted to create a substantially light tightseal with the flat surface; ii. wherein the cover includes a transparentinspection area adapted for viewing the egg yolk; c) deploying a colorsensor onto the inspection area to measure the yolk color.
 9. The methodclaimed in claim 8 wherein the cover is dome shaped and includes aflattened crown portion which is substantially parallel to the flatsurface.
 10. The egg yolk cover claimed in claim 9 wherein theinspection area is an aperture in the flattened crown portion.
 11. Theegg yolk cover claimed in claim 10 wherein the aperture includes atransparent window within the aperture which impinges onto the egg yolk.12. The egg yolk cover claimed in claim 11 wherein the cover defines ayolk depth wherein the flattened crown portion is dimensioned to be at apreselected height above the flat surface and selected to fall in therange from 6 to 12 mm inclusively.
 13. The egg yolk cover claimed inclaim 12 wherein the cover defines a preselected volume between thecover and flat surface which is sufficient to house the egg yolk. 14.The egg yolk cover claimed in claim 13 wherein the preselected volume isselected to fall in the range from 20 ml to 40 ml inclusively.
 15. Themethod claimed in claim 8 wherein the light sensor is a portable coloursensor for measuring colour of a substrate comprises: a) a single flatprinted circuit board with a top & bottom side which includes at leastone LED light and one colour sensor; b) at least one light pipereceiving light from the LED and transmitting it onto a substrate at anangle theta; c) a tube frame including an optical tube for receivinglight reflections from the substrate; and d) wherein the light pipes andthe tube frame, are compression fit between the printed circuit boardand a lower housing.
 16. The method claimed in claim 15 wherein the LEDlight is directed perpendicularly away from the printed circuit boardand wherein the light pipe is an arcuate member bending the light toachieve the angle theta.
 17. The method claimed in claim 15 wherein thelight pipe abutting at one end to the LED and connecting at the otherend at a light emitting port in the lower housing.
 18. The methodclaimed in claim 17 wherein the light emitting port is located within alight cavity which is an inverted dome with the bottom terminating at acontact surface.
 19. The method claimed in claim 18 wherein theflattened crown portion contacting with the contact surface of the lowerhousing of the lower housing of the colour sensor.